Question about these thermal expansion coefficient units (m/mK)

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The discussion centers on the unit of thermal expansion coefficient expressed as 10^-6 m/mK, which represents linear expansion. This unit indicates a change in length (micrometers) per unit change in temperature (Kelvin). The participants clarify that while the units can be mathematically simplified, they provide essential context for understanding the thermal expansion phenomenon, specifically indicating a change of 1 micron per meter for every 1 degree Kelvin. Dimensional analysis is emphasized as a critical tool for validating calculations in unfamiliar contexts.

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kasnay
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so I have never seen this unit before. 10^-6m/mK for the thermal expansion (linear expansion). I believe this unit is micrometers divided by mili kelvins?
 
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So that would be an absolute thermal expansion for a fixed length, not as a proportion of length.
 
I believe it's:meters / (meter x Kelvin) (not milliKelvin)

Simplifying ('cancel' the meters), it's just a ratio of expansion per degK (in one dimension)
 
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okay thank you, well now my question is why did they bother putting it there if it could be cancelled?
 
It may be 'cancelled' for mathematical purposes. The information that it conveys helps you to make sense of what the number actually represents. In this case, 1 micron per meter of length for every 1 DegK. I don't know if they explicitly teach dimensional analysis these days, but it is a very useful way to check the validity of your answer - particularly if you're doing something unfamiliar.
 

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